Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always necessary, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Here are some signals of chronic gutter issues:
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
- Mold growth, peeling exterior paint, or interior water stains on walls near gutters.
- Soggy ground or visible erosion around your house's foundation
- Leaky joints or seams where water leaks out of gutters
- Visibly damaged, sagging, or misaligned gutters that no longer direct rainwater correctly
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
The right installation company will have extensive experience, including multiple years in business and experience with several brands and models. Experienced companies can properly measure and fit gutter guards to meet your distinct needs. Ask how long a company has been providing installations and request referrals from local customers.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Confirm that any companies you're considering are properly licensed, bonded, and insured, holding both general liability and workers compensation coverage. This protects you from liability for potential injuries and accidents. Request current licensing and insurance papers from any potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide leading gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may lack rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
For optimal performance, guards should be custom fitted on-site to fit your gutters. Pick a company that custom sizes and cuts guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Properly fitted guards minimize gaps where debris can get trapped.
Examine Warranties
High-quality gutter guard companies usually offer 20-year or lifetime warranties that cover leaks, clogs, rust, and other defects. Before choosing a provider, carefully read through the warranty terms for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties are the best way to safeguard your investment into your gutters.
Check Reviews and Referrals
It's a good idea to research online reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors to suggest quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, you should opt for companies with consistently positive or good feedback instead of just a single review.
Types of Gutter Guards
There are six typical gutter guard types. These include the following:
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that sit inside your gutters, blocking debris and allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.05 per linear foot.
- Foam guards are light and easy to install. This type of guard catches debris on the foam and keeps it out of your gutter. Foam guards cost roughly $2.47 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that allow water to pass through while stopping debris. Screen guards cost roughly $4.53 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and let debris slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to pay $4.24 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards have even smaller holes than mesh guards and allow even less debris through than mesh. These guards are extremely effective. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.31 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows through into the gutter. They can usually be seen from the ground. On average, you can expect to pay $3.32 per linear foot for surface tension guards.
